Make vs 
n8n
Head-to-head comparison of Make and n8n. Pricing, features, self-hosting, and a clear verdict for teams and solopreneurs building workflow automations.
Last updated February 20, 2026
Managed Power vs. Self-Hosted Freedom
Make is a fully managed visual automation platform. You drag, drop, and connect — no servers to maintain, no Docker containers to update. Its scenario builder with routers, iterators, and error handling makes even complex multi-branch workflows accessible. With 2,000+ pre-built integrations and plans starting at $9/mo, it's the fastest path from idea to running automation.
n8n is an open-source automation engine built for developers. Self-host it on your own server and you get unlimited workflows with zero per-execution costs — forever. Full JavaScript support means you can write custom logic inline, and you own every byte of data that flows through your automations. The trade-off: you're responsible for uptime, updates, and security.
Performance Scores
Feature Breakdown
| Feature | Make | n8n |
|---|---|---|
| Visual Workflow Builder | Polished drag-and-drop with routers & iterators | Node-based editor with code support |
| Pre-built Integrations | 2,000+ | 400+ |
| Self-Hosting | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Custom Code Support | Limited (inline functions) | Full JavaScript & Python |
| Error Handling | Built-in retries & fallback routes | Try/catch nodes & error workflows |
| Free Tier Limits | 1,000 ops/mo, 2 scenarios | Unlimited (self-hosted) |
| Minimum Polling Interval | 1-min (Pro) | Configurable (self-hosted) |
Pricing Showdown
Pros & Cons
Pros
- • 10x-100x more operations per dollar than Zapier — dramatically cheaper at scale
- • Visual builder makes complex branching logic intuitive and easy to debug
- • HTTP module lets you connect to literally any API, even without a pre-built integration
Cons
- • Steeper learning curve — the visual builder is powerful but intimidating for beginners
- • Smaller app library (2,000+ vs Zapier's 7,000+) — some niche tools aren't supported
- • Documentation can be sparse for advanced features and edge cases
Pros
- • Self-hosting means no vendor lock-in — you own your automation infrastructure and data
- • JavaScript support makes complex data transformations trivial compared to no-code tools
- • Free tier is genuinely unlimited when self-hosted — no artificial task caps
Cons
- • Smaller app library than Zapier — niche tools often require custom HTTP requests
- • Self-hosting requires technical knowledge — Docker, server maintenance, and troubleshooting
- • UI is less polished — the node-based interface has a learning curve for non-developers
The Bottom Line
Choose Make if you want powerful automation without managing servers. The visual scenario builder handles complex branching logic elegantly, and 2,000+ integrations cover the vast majority of SaaS tools. Starting at $9/mo for 10,000 operations, it delivers exceptional value without any DevOps overhead.
Get Make →Choose n8n if you have the technical skills to self-host and want complete data ownership with no execution limits. The free self-hosted Community edition is genuinely unlimited, and inline JavaScript support makes it a developer's dream for complex data transformations.
Get n8n →